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Emmadw,
I am with you on this one so that makes two dinosaurs.
I have just bought a Canon SX130is which is a nice little camera but the absence of a viewfinder is driving me mad ! I just can't get a hold on this holding the camera out in front business at all. Moreover, I wear glasses for reading so every time I wish to make a shot I have to don them to check the camera settings, make adjustments, etc.
However, I am coming to the conclusion that the viewfinders on compacts such as the G10/11/12 aren't the answer because they provide no info , so one still has to refer to the screen. Therefore, unless you are happy to set the camera to auto ( which is odd on a camera that purports to be for enthusiasts ) the viewfinder only serves as a compositional aid for simple quick shooting and not much else.
I think cameras such as the Canon G series / Nikon P7000 / etc would be much better with an EVF, enabling camera settings to be made without having to refer to the screen at all, like a DSLR. I can't understand why, when EVF's are common on bridge cameras, manufacturers seem to think that they're not warranted on high end compacts.
I love the portability of a compact and for the moment I will continue to pop my 130is into my pocket evry time I leave the house. However, I will also be saving my money for a Panasonic LX5 which at least offers the option of an add on EVF.
To answer your question. Yes, I think that sadly the days of compacts with viewfiders are over, especially at the lower end of the price range.
Steve.
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